After trying a variety of different masks, the FitLife Total Facemask has so far led to two compliant nights. Big development, but I notice lots of FLs and big leaks. Before I try to fix the leaks, I'd like to fix the FLs.

Anyone have any experience with FLs for total facemasks? Perhaps it's due to mouth breathing?

Most likely the increase in FLs is from the fact that sometimes with these full face masks a person needs a little more pressure in the first place.
The FLs aren't from mouth breathing.

I see. I'll increase the pressure by a small amount and see what happens.


I also found these two articles:

(1): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4301251/

(2): https://sleeptechnologists.org/article/view/659


Basically, facemasks can (1) push the tongue to the back of the throat, causing obstruction, and (2) stop the jaw from being gently push forward by CPAP's pressure gradient. I can confirm that (2) happened to me, as my front teeth on my lower jaw felt a bit sore from being pressed against the back of my upper arch's teeth. The facemask forced my mouth completely shut, and the attempted to force my jaw forward but instead just pressed by bottom teeth against my front teeth.


I can see in either case how FL's can be created: the smaller airway volume requires a greater pressure, or else hypoventilation will occur. I'm going to get an oral appliance to stop mouth breathing and allow my jaw to rest in a comfortable position.